# Private

An access level that hides the member from all code outside its own class.

## What is **Private**?

`private` is an access level that hides a member from everything outside its own class. Keep data private and expose only what other code truly needs.

```csharp
public class Oven
{
    private int currentTemperature; // only Oven code can touch this
}
```

Level: Apprentice · [More OOP terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/oop/apprentice)

Updated: September 27, 2026

## In other subjects

- [private in C#](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/private-c-sharp)
- [private in Java](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/private)

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/private-oop